Parade to kick off Centerville festivities

Free concerts, two parades, and a police auction highlight Centerville's Fourth of July celebration plans.

A children's parade will kick off the two days of events at 6 p.m. Friday. The parade will begin at 160 S. 200 East, and kids are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes, strollers, wagons, etc. Treats will be provided at the end of the parade.One of the region's top bluegrass bands, Fire On The Mountain, will begin a free concert in Founder's Park at 7 p.m. That band will be followed by The Goodman Family. Their music, according to a news release, often inspires stronger family bonds and helps everyone understand the importance of shared family time to civilization.

Events continue on Saturday beginning with a country breakfast between 6:30 and 9 a.m. The breakfast is $3 for adults, $2 for children under 12 and $12 for a family of up to six, with each additional family member costing $1.50 extra.

Runners, joggers, and walkers can participate in the 5K Freedom Run. Kids are also invited, with varying lengths for younger ones.

The race begins at 7 a.m. Registration costs $10 for adults and $8 for children under 12. The price includes a T-shirt, refreshments and a prize drawing.

After the run and breakfast, the main parade will start at 9 a.m. The route will run along Main Street, between Chase Lane and Pages Lane.

At noon a police auction will be held. All proceeds go to support the men in blue and will feature many bargains.

Other events include an art exhibit at Centerville Elementary and an outdoor festival at Founders Park. Both run between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information, call Dale Anderson at 292-2100.